A walk through Van Gogh's Provence: in Luxury

A walk through Van Gogh's Provence: in Luxury

Give you a treat on a "hiking chic" itinerary, with the most Prestige accommodations and 3 gourmet dinners.

Van Gogh arrived here in the late 19th century, and this beautiful region inspired some of his greatest work: the chiseled teeth of the Alpilles mountains that soar high above the Rhône Valley, the sunflower fields, the olives groves, the Mistral winds that rhythmically sweep the lone cypress tree.

You will follow Van Gogh’s steps into the most secret of the Alpilles landscapes. You will spend time in the artsy town of Saint-Rémy, the spectacular perched village of Les Baux, and the Roman city of Arles along the way.

Day 1

Avignon & St Remy de Provence

Avignon > Saint-Rémy

Transfer from Avignon towards St Remy de Provence (20 min). Explore the artsy Saint-Rémy and its environs, the museum of Van Gogh’s paintbrush. Head into the sunlit hills to discover the remains of the Roman town of Glanum. Dinner included and night in Saint Rémy

Market on Wednesdays & Saturday morning in St Remy

Day 2

Distance :

10 km

Elevation :

+ 300m
- 300m

St Remy and the crests of the Alpilles

You start from the picturesque Saint Rémy into the Alpilles hills, then along the fabulously panoramic ridge-line. Along the way, take the time to visit the Saint-Paul de Mausole monastery, where Van Gogh spent over a year, creating over 150 paintings, and some of his best work. Dinner on your own and night in Saint Rémy.

Longer walk option : 6 hrs (18km - 11.2 miles - +550m/-550m)

Market on Wednesdays & Saturday morning in St Remy

Day 3

Distance :

10 km

Elevation :

+ 270m
- 100m

From the Roman ruins to the Val d’Enfer in Les Baux

Saint-Rémy > Val d'Enfer > Les Baux de Provence (3h30 - 6.5 miles)

Today’s scenic forestry path hovers high above the valley, giving you spectacular views. Your walking path descends through the sculpted limestone “valley of hell” towards the perched village of Les Baux de Provence: its homes packed tightly and defiantly on top of the cragged rock, earning its listing as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Dinner included and night in the Baux de Provence.

Market on Wednesdays & Saturday morning in St Remy

Day 4

Distance :

11.5 km

Elevation :

+ 250m
- 250m

Vineyards and olives trees of the Baux Valley

Les Baux > Maussane > Les Baux (4h30 - 6.9 miles)

Your walking day continues with a circular walk to admire the renowned silvery-green olive groves, and through the village of Maussane. Visit the famed 17th century Cornille mill where you can taste one of Provence’s best olive oils! Back to les Baux along cypress lines and vineyards. Dinner on your own and night in Les Baux de Provence.

Market on Thursday morning in Maussane

Day 5

Distance :

15 km

Elevation :

+ 100M
- 350M

Saint Gabriel chapel to Arles

Les Baux de Provence > St Gabriel chapel > Arles (5h30 - 9.3 miles)

You head westward on the ridge path, with outstanding views of Mont Ventoux, the Montagnette and the Rhône Valley, all the way to the very end of the Alpilles range. Descend through hills and pine forests to the 12th century Romanesque Saint Gabriel Chapel. A short transfer (15 min) drops you in Arles, in the heart of the roman city, to explore Van Gogh’s second home, and discover the treasures of the city’s Romanesque center ! End of your trip

Hotel de l'Image - St Remy

An old music hall cinema dating from the 70's converted into a prestige 4 star hotel - right in the heart of St Remy - featuring 32 rooms, surrounded by a magnificent park, a swimming pool and a gourmet restaurant. You will still find remains from this period in the main building, such as a projector exhibited between the reception hall and the restaurant and many photographs. Guest rooms feature a unique décor and modern amenities. Superior rooms offer a terrace overlooking the garden and the Alpilles.

Hotel Oustau Baumaniere - Baux

More than 60 years of excellence for this 5* deluxe hotel, originally a 16th century Provençal stone farmhouse, set in a magical setting, at the foot the famous medieval Baux de Provence village.

The Oustau de Baumaniere shaped the life of the tiny village of Les Baux de Provence, attracting and endless list of famous guests, including the Queen of England and Charles de Gaulle.

The exquisite Oustau restaurant has 2 Michelin stars, the Cabro d'Or proposes a refined cuisine : both of them use their organic products, along with the vintage wines of the outstanding cellar.

Morning : choice of 2 self-guided loop walks in the vineyards of Chateauneuf - with a road-book - passing along the way the wine estates of: Vaudieu, Nalys, Solitude, Chateau Mont Redon

1pm: gourmet lunch at the famous restaurant "La Mère Germaine"

Afternoon with a wine expert for 3 hours (non private)* Walk into the vineyards with explanation about the grapes* Private visit to a family run winery : explanation of the vinification and barrel wine tasting* Private visit to a Château (one of the most famous and oldest cellars in the area) + wine tasting* if time permits, chocolate and wine tasting

TRIP rates

The rates are per person, on a 2 pers. minimum reservation basis ( shared room), and subject to availability

INCLUDED

4 nights double occupancy with private facilities

4 breakfasts

2 dinners

Day 1: transfer from Avignon to St Rémy de Provence

Day 5: transfer from the end of your walk to Arles

Luggage transfers days 1 to 5

Our Road Book with detailed walking itineraries, including highlighted maps

1 road map of the region

NOT INCLUDED

All lunches not noted-included in your itinerary

Entrance fees into museums, insurance, drinks

Items of personal nature

SINGLE supplement Prestige accommodation : 855 €uros

Path Restrictions

Important : From June 1st to September 30thAccess may be restricted in the Alpilles mountains if the risk of forest fire is high. There is a risk that the paths may be closed as of noon on any given day or in exceptional circumstances the paths may be closed altogether. Information is available from 6:00pm for the following day from the local prefecture by telephone (automated message).